John Fitzpatrick

For John (Bud) Douglas Fitzpatrick the cowboy way was the only way, and on January 8, 2016 at the age of 99 he saddled up for his final ride into heaven's gate. His spirit and zest for life is carried on by his friends, family and the community of Bandera Texas. \r\n\r\nHe was born in St. Paul Minnesota to Edwin and Martha Fitzpatrick on September 16, 1916. At an early age Bud knew he was going to be a cowboy, and in his early twenties he set out to join the rodeo circuit where he discovered his passion for riding rodeos. In 1940, prior to the RCA and PRCA Bud became a member of the original Turtles, accepting his association number 1114. His rodeo career lead him to Madison Square Garden in 1943, where he competed in the Rodeo Finals. After many adventures and several bucks in the saddle Bud made his way back to Texas where he worked as a ranch hand and began learning the blacksmith trade. For many years Bud traveled across the United States following fairs and trade, gaining experience and knowledge while building his reputation as a master horseshoer. In 1960, he was elected chapter president of the International Journey Men Horseshoers Association where he served as an active member for many years. An artist by hobby, Bud also established a reputation for his beautiful ornamental metal work and his custom bits and spurs along with his cowboy inspired illustrations. After over two decades of traveling and shoeing at major race tracks throughout California along with distance between him and his family he retired from the trade and moved back to Texas in 1979. Though Bud traveled the world and lived in many different places throughout his prosperous life, his home has always been Bandera Texas- the Cowboy Capital of the World. He was a man of simple pleasure and could tell some wild stories of his glory days, he had a deep and contagious love for his family and friends, and appreciated life in all its forms.\r\n\r\nHe is survived by his former wife and life companion, Mary Fitzpatrick. His children, Eileen and Mike Hickman (Grandchild: Shannon; Great-Grandchildren: Hailey and Jordan), Kathy and Scott Hatch (Grandchildren: Sara & Ryan; Great-Grandchild: Hendrix) (Grandchildren: Autumn & Randy; Great-Grandchild: Alivia) (Grandchild: Julie), Kevin and Trenna Fitzpatick (Grandchildren: Morgan & Cody, Kati, Will) and John and Joy Fitzpatrick. The forever loved McNarie and Tripp family of Bandera, Texas, as well as family and friends from across the world too numerous to list but not forgotten. \r\n\r\nThe Rosary and viewing will be held Tuesday, January 12th, 5:00PM to 7:00PM, at Grimes Funeral Chapels. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 13th, 10:00AM at Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church with interment to follow at the old Catholic Cemetery. \r\n\r\nThe family of Bud Fitzpatrick wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the caring and dedicated staff at Bandera Rehab, the love and support shown over the years from the Frontier Times Museum, the sweet and overwhelming condolences from Joe and Virginia Davis (owners of Busbee's Barbeque) and the entire community of Bandera for providing Bud Fitzpatrick with a special place to call home for so many wonderful years!